Bridesmaids' Bouquets: To Keep Or Toss?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to bridesmaids keeping their bouquets. While some brides are happy to let their bridesmaids keep the bouquets as a memento of the day, others prefer to have them returned. Some bridesmaids even choose to pay for their bouquets, especially if they are expensive, and keep them. However, it is more traditional for the bride to cover the cost of the bouquets and decide whether they will be returned or kept by the bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids bouquet alternatives

There are many alternatives to the traditional bridesmaid's bouquet. Here are some ideas to consider:

Books

If there is a book that played an important part in your friendship, you could ask your bridesmaids to carry that book instead of a bouquet. Alternatively, they could hold a favourite book or one with special significance.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be used to add a unique twist to a floral bouquet, or they can be used as an alternative to flowers altogether. You could use hand-dyed silk ribbon or rich velvet ribbon for a luxurious look.

Baskets

Instead of a bouquet, your bridesmaids could carry a basket of petals or other items. This adds a rustic or storybook-inspired touch to the ceremony.

Fans

For a summer wedding, consider providing your bridesmaids with fans instead of bouquets. Fans can be a stylish alternative, especially if you choose a design that complements the bridesmaids' outfits.

Flowers or Greenery with a Twist

If you want to include some florals or greenery in the bridesmaids' arrangements, there are still ways to make them unique. For example, you could use dried flowers, paper flowers, or silk flowers instead of fresh blooms. You could also create a hanging bouquet with trailing flowers, or shape the bouquet like a wreath.

Other Natural Elements

If you're having a beach wedding, consider giving your bridesmaids tropical leaves or a single palm leaf to carry. For a rustic wedding, dried lavender, wheat stalks, or olive branches can add a unique touch.

Accessories

Your bridesmaids could carry a special accessory instead of a bouquet. For example, you could give them a chic corsage, a colourful lantern, or a stylish clutch bag.

Something Different

If you want to move away from the traditional bouquet altogether, there are some unique alternatives to consider. Your bridesmaids could carry a dreamcatcher, a musical instrument, or even balloons!

Who pays for the bouquets?

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for almost everything involved in the wedding, including the flowers at the ceremony and reception, as well as the wedding party bouquets. However, nowadays, things have changed, and many couples cover the costs of their weddings themselves.

If the bride's parents are paying for the wedding flowers, it is important to communicate with them about the budget and ensure they are comfortable with the costs.

The groom's family traditionally covers the costs of the rehearsal dinner. If flowers are involved in this event, they would fall under the groom's family's expenses. On the wedding day, the groom's family often pays for the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages for members of the wedding party, including family members of the couple.

In some cases, the groom's family may offer to pay for more or split the costs with the bride's family. It is important to have honest conversations about financial contributions and ensure everyone is on the same page to avoid any surprises.

The bridesmaids themselves typically do not pay for the bouquets, as these are considered part of the wedding decor and design statement rather than their outfits. The bouquets are usually simpler and smaller versions of the bride's bouquet, and they can be quite expensive, especially with a large bridal party. Therefore, it is customary for the bride or the bride's family to cover the cost of the bridesmaid bouquets.

Do bridesmaids have to carry bouquets?

Carrying a bouquet of flowers is a long-standing tradition for bridesmaids, but it is not a requirement. Bridesmaids can carry flowers, or the bride may choose an alternative option for them to hold as they walk down the aisle.

Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so some brides opt for cheaper alternatives to bouquets. These can include arm garlands, wrist corsages, or flower crowns. Some brides choose to have their bridesmaids carry single-stem flowers, or an alternative to bouquets, such as a fan, clutch bag, or even a book.

If a bride decides to have her bridesmaids carry bouquets, she will usually choose the flowers and the design. The bouquets should complement the wedding theme and the dresses of the bridesmaids. The bouquet designs can be simple or elaborate, depending on the bride's preference. The bouquets are usually a variation of the bride's bouquet, with slight differences in colour, complexity, or type of flower.

There is no hard and fast rule about what happens to the bouquets after the wedding. Some brides choose to let their bridesmaids keep them as a memento, while others ask for them back.

Bouquet etiquette

The bouquet is an important part of any wedding, and traditionally, bridesmaids are seen carrying them. However, flowers are not a requirement, and there are many cheaper alternatives, such as arm garlands or wrist corsages.

The bride typically shoulders the expenses for the bouquets, and it is also customary for her to cover the cost of the bridal party flowers. However, there are instances when bridesmaids choose to pay for their bouquets, either as requested by the bride or as a gift to her.

There is no hard and fast rule about what happens to the flowers after the wedding. Some brides choose to let their bridesmaids keep their bouquets as mementos, while others prefer to have them returned. If the bouquets are made from real flowers, they will eventually die, so keeping them may not be practical. In this case, it is common for bridesmaids to leave the bouquets at the reception, and it is unclear what happens to them after that.

If you are a bride and you want your bridesmaids to return their bouquets, it is best to communicate this to them before the wedding. You could also ask them to “borrow” the bouquets back, or offer to let them keep the bouquets if they really want to. If you are planning to reuse the bouquets, it may be a good idea to explain the situation to your bridesmaids, as they may be more understanding.

If you are a bridesmaid and the bride has not communicated her preferences, it is best to ask her what she would like you to do with the bouquet. If you want to keep the bouquet, it may be a good idea to offer to pay for it, especially if the bride is on a tight budget.

Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide whether her bridesmaids will carry bouquets and what will happen to them after the wedding. However, it is important to keep in mind that being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so if you are asking your bridesmaids to pay for their bouquets, you may want to consider letting them keep the bouquets as a memento of the day.

What happens to the bride's bouquet?

Traditionally, the bride's bouquet is given to the maid of honour, who then presents it to the bride at the end of the wedding. This practice symbolises the honour and significance of the role played by the maid of honour in the wedding ceremony. However, modern brides may choose to deviate from this tradition and opt for alternative arrangements.

Some brides decide to let their bridesmaids keep their bouquets as a memento of the special day. This gesture can serve as a token of appreciation for the time, effort, and financial contributions made by the bridesmaids in the lead up to and during the wedding. It is a way to show gratitude and provide a lasting reminder of the celebration.

In some instances, the bride may choose to retain the bouquet for herself, especially if it holds sentimental value or was crafted from expensive or unique materials. The bouquet could become a cherished keepsake, displayed or preserved as a reminder of the wedding day. Alternatively, the bride may decide to repurpose the bouquet for decorative purposes, such as creating a centerpiece for the home or drying and pressing the flowers for artwork.

Another option is to pass on the bouquet to someone else, such as a family member or a friend who may be getting married soon. This act of generosity can be especially meaningful if the recipient is facing time constraints or financial difficulties in planning their own wedding. It allows the beauty and joy of the flowers to live on and be appreciated by others.

Lastly, the bride's bouquet can be dismantled or recycled to create new mementos. For example, individual flowers or petals can be pressed and used to create artwork, stationery, or jewellery. This way, the bride and her loved ones can cherish the memories of the wedding day in a more permanent form.

Frequently asked questions